Simpson's Character

24 January 2016

Chris Groves

JOSH Simpson was the hero at the Memorial Stadium, as his late goal secured a 1-1 draw for Argyle and what the midfielder describes as a “massive point.”

The hosts looked set to knock off the Pilgrims at home with 11 minutes to play, as Billy Bodin finished off a counter-attacking move from close range to put Rovers in front. The Greens rallied once again, though, and Simpson’s first goal for Argyle, a low, rifled shot on the edge of the box, squared things up after 88 minutes.

The draw stunts the exceptional recent form of the Gas, having won six out of their last eight games, and maintains their comfortable spot in the Sky Bet League 2 promotion places. For those reasons, Simpson puts this point down as one of the club’s most vital of the season so far.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game,” said Josh, “coming to Bristol Rovers with the momentum they had, with the result at Oxford last week.

“We knew it was going to be tough, and looking back at the game, I think it’s a massive point. They had some good chances, but looking back, I think a draw was a fair result, especially with them scoring late on and the equaliser even later on.

“I think at the end of the season, we’ll look at this as a great point.”

Whilst Argyle may have relinquished their place atop the division to Northampton Town, the draw still leaves them in an excellent position to meet their aspirations of promotion – especially with a healthy squad to pick from.

“If we can just extend that gap between us and fourth, that’s our main aim at the minute,” said Simpson. “We’ll just carry on doing what we’re doing.

“Obviously it’s a shame they [Northampton] have gone above us, but we’re aiming for promotion. That’s what we’re looking for, that’s what our aim was at the start of the season, and that’s our aim now. We’ve averaging two points a game. If we can carry on that then I’m sure we’ll get that spot in the top three.

“We’ve got everyone fully fit now. Competition for a place is high. Craig Tanner got dropped today, and it’s a shame because he’s been doing really well. Everyone’s in it for each other. There’s no hard feelings. It’s going to take the whole squad for promotion this year, and hopefully that continues.”